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SCALE · ON CLARINET IN BB

C Melodic Minor

The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
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Tempo120 bpm

Playback sounds a major 2nd below the written notation — the instrument's concert (sounding) pitch.

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title C Melodic Minor Verovio
Keyboard
CDFGABCDFGABCDFGABCE♭E♭E♭
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Melodic Minor scale?

The C Melodic Minor scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Melodic Minor scale formula?

The Melodic Minor scale follows the interval pattern W H W W W W H, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Melodic Minor scale.

What chords work over C Melodic Minor?

Jazz minor's modes include the altered scale over V7alt and Lydian dominant over V7. Works well over m-maj7, m6, and the modern jazz minor sound.

How do I finger C Melodic Minor on Clarinet in Bb?

On woodwinds, scales train fingering coordination + breath support + register changes. Pay particular attention to the break (the register-key transition); slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation issues across the break.

When would I use the Melodic Minor scale?

The classical melodic minor — raised 6th and 7th ascending, reverts to natural minor descending. Two distinct half-step patterns in one scale.